Description: Cucumeris is a species of predatory mite that feeds on immature stages of thrips. It also feeds on pollen, two spotted mites and other species of mites. Cucumeris adults are pear-shaped, tan colored mites, less than 0.5mm (1/50 inch) long.

Product information: About 60% are female. Well-fed females will lay up to 3 eggs per day for 35 days. Their eggs are round, transparent and 0.14mm (0.01 inch) in diameter and usually deposited on hairs on the underside of leaves. Cucumeris adults and immatures are shipped with a bran carrier. They are available in two types of packaging:

Bulk cartons - containing 10,000 - 50,000 predators. The contents are gently shaken onto leaves or placed on rock wool blocks or growing media in contact with the plant stem. Upon receipt active predators should be visible at the top of the containers.Slow release bags - containing approximately 30mL. (1/8 cup) of carrier with predators and a food source. The bags act as miniature breeding units and are hung on plants throughout the area. Over four weeks, each bag can produce over 1000 predators under good conditions.

Lifespan of Cucumeris: A complete life cycle takes 10-12 days at 68° F. Newly hatched larvae do not feed until they molt at 2 days old. They feed for another 7 days before becoming adults. Adults live for up to 30 days.

Strategic Considerations: Use Cucumeris along with other thrips predators such as Orius spp. and Hypoaspis. Pesticides and even wetting agents and spreader-stickers may adversely affect Cucumeris survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic to Cucumeris.